Prolonged apnea after orthognathic surgery due to atypical cholinesterase.
Prolonged apnea (9 hours) after elective orthognathic surgery occurred in a healthy adult female. The patient had previously undergone multiple general anesthetics without any adverse reactions or complications. Measurement of the patient's serum postoperatively confirmed both a qualitative and quantitative defect in the cholinesterase enzyme. The genetic background for an atypical cholinesterase phenotype is briefly reviewed. Treatment modalities for this rare condition are also discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001049:Apnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013390:Succinylcholine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002802:Cholinesterases; D013390:Succinylcholine